LAHS’s The Pink Dot ORGANization  took a big step in its efforts to raise awareness for organ donation last Wednesday, September 3.

Allegra Maeso began the endeavor her freshman year when she founded the Pink Dot ORGANization.

“Our ultimate goal is to raise as much organ donation awareness as possible,” Allegra said.

The club’s name comes from the pink dot that is placed on a driver’s license to indicate that the person  is an organ donor. The “organ” in “organization” is also capitalized to emphasize what the club is about.

Last Wednesday, sisters and co-leaders Allegra and Skyler Maeso were given the opportunity to be featured on KMVT Random Access, a television channel airing in the Bay Area. This meant a chance to broadcast their club and its mission to an audience greater than just those at the school.

“We were excited [and] anxious, mostly because of the anticipation, especially since they said it was live,” Allegra said. “However, it turned out to be a lot more relaxing and fun than public speaking… Overall, it was a positive and rewarding experience, and we were blessed to be able to bring this message to our community.”

Along with them was Adam Vasser, an LAHS alumni ‘02 who received a heart transplant at the age of 14.

“I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for someone who had registered as an organ donor… it’s been now 16 years since my transplant and that’s 16 years [that I’m] eternally grateful for.” Adam said during his interview with KMVT.

The organization hopes to start a statewide movement, and already have a charter club at Milpitas High School.

“20 people die everyday because of shortage of organs, and 90 percent of people say they support organ donation, but only 30 percent know the essential steps in order to become a donor” Allegra said. “Dot = life is our motto because quite literally, one donor can save multiple lives.”

You can show your support for Pink Dot ORGANization by liking their Facebook page, following their Twitter and Instagram pages, or by joining the club.